Rationalizing? - I don't think so. Rational? I'm trying. Facts? Of course, such as the fact of the empty tomb. Faith is more than assent to facts, but should never be less.
Boring? My apologies.
Inspired writings? I think it clear that the "signs of an apostle" validated their authority and therefore their writings, such as Paul's letters, which Peter referred to as "scripture", were considered "inspired" or "God Beathed" from the beginning.
Councils? Dialogue between Evangelicals and Catholics is in its infancy, but a shift toward humility is heartening. Hard-core Calvinists and, it seems, some Orthodox are more reluctant to engage in such dialogue. But, we all "see throught he glass darkly".

But I think I'll refrain from posting here any longer. This is the first time I've gotten into an internet dialog and I didn't know the etiquette so I probably came off as rude and boorish. Again, my apologies for being overly zealous.